FSSAI received numerous complaints about misleading product names that confused consumers. Many people buying "herbal tea" assumed they were getting actual tea with added herbs, not realising the products contained no tea leaves at all.
Published Jan 08, 2026 | 9:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 08, 2026 | 9:00 PM
Products made from chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, rooibos, or any other plant cannot be called tea, regardless of how they're prepared or consumed.
Synopsis: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued the order on 24 December 2025, stating that the word “tea” can only be used for beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Everything else must be called an “infusion,” “blend,” or something similar.
India’s food safety watchdog has cracked down on misleading labels in the beverage industry.
Starting this year, only drinks made from actual tea leaves can be called “tea” – meaning popular products like chamomile tea, rooibos tea, and tulsi tea will need new names.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued the order on 24 December 2025, stating that the word “tea” can only be used for beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Everything else must be called an “infusion,” “blend,” or something similar.
“It has come to the notice of FSSAI that some Food Business Operators are marketing products that are not obtained from the plant, Camellia sinensis, under the name ‘Tea’, such as ‘Rooibos Tea,’ ‘Herbal Tea,’ ‘Flower Tea,’ etc,” the order stated.
The regulator clarified that “the use of the word ‘tea’ directly or indirectly for any other plant-based or herbal infusions or blends not derived from Camellia sinensis is misleading and amounts to misbranding under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.”
Walk into any supermarket and you’ll find dozens of products labelled as “herbal tea” or “fruit tea” that contain no actual tea. These will soon disappear from shelves or return with updated packaging calling them “herbal infusions” or “botanical blends” instead.
The change affects a wide range of popular beverages including peppermint tea, ginger tea, masala blends without tea leaves, and various ayurvedic drinks marketed under the tea label.
“This order protects consumers from deceptive marketing practices whilst safeguarding the reputation of India’s tea industry,” industry sources said.
Real tea producers – those using genuine tea leaves from Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, or other regions – won’t be affected. In fact, they may benefit from clearer distinction in the marketplace.
FSSAI received numerous complaints about misleading product names that confused consumers. Many people buying “herbal tea” assumed they were getting actual tea with added herbs, not realising the products contained no tea leaves at all.
The regulator’s existing rules have always defined tea strictly as coming from the Camellia sinensis plant. According to regulation 2.10.1, “Tea means tea other than Kangra tea obtained by acceptable processes, exclusively from the leaves, buds and tender stems of plant of the Camellia sinensis.”
The order further specified that “every package shall carry the name of the food which indicate the true nature of the food contained in the package, on the Front of Pack.”
Companies selling herbal and botanical drinks now face a major packaging overhaul. E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have also been directed to ensure their listings comply.
“All Food Business Operators including E-commerce engaged in manufacturing, packing, marketing, import or sale of such products are directed to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulation and refrain from using the term ‘Tea’ for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis,” the order stated.
Wellness and ayurvedic brands are particularly affected. The order clarified that “such plant-based or herbal infusions or blends, which are not derived from Camellia sinensis do not qualify to be named as Tea.”
The Tea Board of India has coordinated with FSSAI, tightening import standards to match these domestic rules. Manufacturers of flavoured teas – which do contain real tea leaves plus added flavours – must register with the Tea Board and clearly label their products.
State food safety officers across India have been instructed to monitor shops and online platforms for non-compliant products.
“The Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs and Regional Directors, FSSAI are requested to direct the Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers under their jurisdiction to monitor and ensure strict adherence to the above provisions,” the order stated.
FSSAI warned that “in case of non-compliance, necessary action shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules/regulations made thereunder.”
Brands have been given specific deadlines to update their packaging, though these vary depending on existing stock levels and manufacturing cycles.
According to FSSAI standards, real tea must come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The regulations specify that tea “may be in the form of black or oolong tea” and “shall have characteristic flavour free from any off odour, taint and mustiness.”
The order covers several types:
The regulations stated that tea “shall be free from living insects, moulds, dead insects, insect fragments and rodent contamination visible to the naked eye” and “shall be free from extraneous matter, added colouring matter and harmful substances.”
These can be processed as Orthodox tea (whole leaves) or CTC tea (cut, torn, and curled for stronger brews). The order noted that tea “may contain ‘natural flavours’ and ‘natural flavouring substances'” but the base must always be tea leaves.
Products made from chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, rooibos, or any other plant cannot be called tea, regardless of how they’re prepared or consumed.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
